Bringing nature back to the city

The "Bringing nature back to the city" initiative sets out a vision for the Monaco of tomorrow, tailored to the realities of a densely populated, urbanised territory facing the challenges of climate change. It aims to better integrate the issues of nature, biodiversity and quality of life into the discussions guiding the Principality’s development.

Developed in collaboration with Grant Associates, the initiative is based on an analysis of Monaco's territory and its specific urban, landscape, environmental and climatic characteristics. It examines how the city can offer more nature, cooler spaces, pedestrian connectivity, high-quality public spaces and biodiversity, whilst strengthening connections between neighbourhoods, the landscape and the marine environment.

The initiative is not based on a single project or a single approach to greening. It takes a broader view of the various factors that contribute to the quality of life, whether these relate to pedestrian mobility, the role of living organisms in the city, public spaces or the territory’s adaptation to climate change.

"Bringing nature back to the city" forms part of the Principality’s environmental commitments, notably its National Biodiversity Strategy. The initiative aims to inform the discussions and projects that shape the development of the territory.

This approach is reflected in a range of developments and projects, some of which are already visible in public spaces and are helping to improve the quality of everyday life, whilst others are part of a longer-term vision.

Avenue Princesse Grace: transforming public space to support mobility and quality of life

The Avenue Princesse Grace development is one of the concrete applications of the  "Bringing nature back to the city" initiative. Building on the Testimonio project, this scheme aims to transform public space by integrating mobility and green spaces more closely.

The project notably involves widening pavements, improving cycle route connectivity and enhancing the efficiency of public transport, with new facilities for sustainable mobility including charging points for electric taxis and buses. Relocating two-wheeler parking to the Testimonio car park will also free up street-level space for pedestrians and public amenities. Nature's role will be strengthened through new green spaces and a green wall, helping to provide more shade and a cooler environment.

These improvements will give pedestrians more space, increase vegetation and enhance comfort of travel along one of the main thoroughfares in the Larvotto neighbourhood.

Avenue Princesse Grace

Chemin des Sculptures Garden: strengthening the role of nature in the city

The Chemin des Sculptures Garden redevelopment embodies one of the aims of "Bringing Nature Back to the City": to make nature a driving force for climate adaptation, biodiversity and quality of life in everyday spaces. 

The project includes an increased presence of vegetation, with new plantings, tall trees providing more shade and coolness, as well as the retention of existing plant heritage. This will boost site biodiversity and help mitigate the effects of heatwaves.

The redevelopment also includes redesigned pathways as well as  new rest and meeting spaces. The aim is to establish the Chemin des Sculptures Garden as a place for strolling and urban respite, where nature contributes to both quality of life and the city's adaptation to climate change.

Chemin des Sculptures © Grant Associates

Boulevard de Belgique – Exotic Garden – Place des Bougainvilliers: transforming an urban route into a green promenade

The rethinking of Boulevard du Jardin Exotique, Boulevard de Belgique and Place des Bougainvilliers aims to make pedestrian movement easier, reconnect several neighbourhoods and encourage exploration of Monaco, creating a pedestrian-friendly route enriched by vegetation.

The aim is not only to make getting around easier, but also to turn this everyday route into a more pleasant space to walk through, where people can stroll, take a break and enjoy views across the Principality. To this end, the project combines several types of features: green pathways, shaded areas, rest areas, as well as facilities to manage level differences and strengthen pedestrian continuity between the various areas traversed.

Boulevard de Belgique - Jardin Exotique - Place des Bougainvilliers © Grant Associates

Ostende Gardens: a terraced promenade through gardens, views and biodiversity

The Ostende Gardens project proposes the creation of a pedestrian route running parallel to Avenue d'Ostende, organised around successive terraced gardens offering views of the harbour and Monaco-Ville. The aim is  to create a route where movement, exploration and landscape discovery come together through a succession of gardens, viewpoints and breathing spaces.

The project would draw inspiration from the diversity of Monegasque gardens by combining different plant schemes that blend exotic, tropical and Mediterranean species, with a focus on biodiversity and the integration of wildlife refuges.

The route will also feature contemporary artworks spaced along the pathway. Beyond its pedestrian function, it would offer an experience combining nature, landscape and culture.

Jardins d'Ostende © Grant Associates

Le Toulonnais: extending renaturation to the marine environment

Located at the foot of the Oceanographic Museum, the Le Toulonnais project represents the marine component of "Bringing nature back to the city" initiative. Developed around the Toulonnais wreck and the natural habitats at the base of the Rock, it aims to improve conditions for marine biodiversity and encourage the return of Mediterranean species to the site.

The project includes creating new underwater habitats to support increased species diversity and provide new areas conducive to their feeding, reproduction and development. It will also strengthen ecological continuity between the various habitats in this area.

Beyond its environmental objectives, the project contributes to enhancing Monaco's underwater natural heritage. Ultimately, it could offer divers a richer site for observing and exploring marine biodiversity.

The documents available in this section present the analyses, reflections and guidelines developed as part of the "Bringing nature back to the city" initiative. The examples and illustrations they contain are intended to illustrate the principles of the initiative. They do not, in themselves, constitute finalised projects or planning decisions. 

Find out more about the initiative

Vision and planning principles

Reference studies